Results of bunion correction using Mitchell osteotomy

The results of Mitchell osteotomy for repair of hallux valgus/bunion deformity are presented. Twenty-five consecutive patients on whom 33 first metatarsal osteotomy/bunionectomy procedures of the Mitchell-Hawkins variety demonstrate satisfactory and durable reduction of deformity. These was an average decrease in the first intermetatarsal angle of 6.1 degrees and an average decrease in the hallux abductus angle of 18.4 degrees. This procedure successfully corrects an elevated intermetatarsal angle and an elevated proximal articular set angle at a single osteotomy site. Nonunion of the osteotomy site was not found. The most common complication (9%) was second metatarsalgia. This was found in one patient with a pre-existing callus, and two patients due to technical error.